Arizona Republicans Want Funding for Koch-Backed Schools

By RYAN VAN VELZER AND BOB CHRISTIE, ASSOCIATED PRESS
PHOENIX — Apr 28, 2016, 5:08 PM ET

Arizona's Republican leaders have proposed earmarking millions of dollars for programs at the state's public universities that are backed by billionaire Republican donor Charles Koch.

The proposal would funnel $5 million to support programs at Arizona State University and the University of Arizona that have received millions in funding from the Charles Koch Foundation — a nonprofit backed by the petrochemicals CEO known for supporting limited government and lower taxes.

That money makes up a significant chunk of the $13 million set aside for ongoing spending at Arizona's three state universities, as part of the $9.58 billion budget plan negotiated between the Republican-controlled Legislature and Gov. Doug Ducey.

It is not unusual for billionaires — including those on the other end of the political spectrum — to donate large sums to schools, which can raise unease among students and faculty about maintaining academic independence.

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